COLUMBUS ® VARIANT

THE ORIGINAL BY AUTOHOME

GIVING A LOOK AT THE WORLD

The classic model has Airtex Gray, Safari or Wild Green fabric and versatile opening: this roof tent has a large rear window and can be customized in numerous ways.
Ventilation and light is excellent, without compromising privacy. The modular nature of the openings and further features of the Columbus Variant give you the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of outdoor life, without sacrificing the comfort of the best roof tents on the market, original Autohome models which have made the history of extreme camping.
Like all roof tents in the range, Columbus Variant is made with high-quality materials that guarantee strength and comfort. The fiberglass shells combine the benefits of strength and lightweight design in a single material which is easy to wash and repair if damaged (which is unlikely); the AIRTEX® fabrics are highly waterproof yet breathable ensuring overnighting is dry and comfortable.
In Columbus roof tents everything contributes to excellence. Autohome: “ A simple silhouette and a great look "

COLOUR OF FABRICS

Wild Green

Gray

Safari

Carbon

SHELL COLOURS

White

Black

FIBERGLASS 100% "GLASS RENFORCED PLASTIC" - GFK IN GERMAN

Shells are handmade by precision craftsmen, the best guarantee of quality: a quality structure, compact, pull-out, unlike ordinary plastic or similar products available on the market. The fiberglass insulates the inside from the heat and cold and can be cleaned easily (it is undamaged by aggressive cleaning agents). Strength, reliability, comfort, quality: Maggiolina roof tents are all this and more.

MODELS AND SIZES COLUMBUS VARIANT

SMALL Aerodynamic version. Recommended for two adults.

Art:

CVG/01 – CVS/01 – CVW/01 CVBS/01 Columbus Variant Small

Sizes:

130 x 210 cm

Closed h:

30 cm

Open h:

150 cm

Weight:

about 52 Kg*

Volume:

about 196 l*

MEDIUM Aerodynamic version. Recommended for two adults and a child.

Art:

CVG/02 – CVS/02 – CVW/02 CVBS/02 Columbus Variant Medium

Sizes:

145 x 210 cm

Closed h:

30 cm

Open h:

150 cm

Weight:

about 57 Kg*

Volume:

about 220 l*

LARGE Aerodynamic version. Recommended for two adults and two children.

Art:

CVG/03 – CVS/03 – CVW/03 CVBS/03 Columbus Variant Large

Sizes:

160 x 215 cm

Closed h:

30 cm

Open h:

150 cm

Weight:

about 64 Kg*

Volume:

about 260 l*

X-LONG Optional for Small and Medium: instead of the standard 210 cm long, this version is available at 230 cm in length.

FEATURES

Sizes, volumes and internal capacity of the various models are all different and some of them also allow to fit additional bars on the shell useful to transport surf boards, kajaks and other tools. All the shells have the same shape and design: a fluid, clean, aerodynamic line and esthetically perfect also on small vehicles.

All Columbus models open in an instant. By releasing the catch at the back, the tent will open thanks to two special gas springs (just like those on car tailgates) which lift the top whilst keeping the fabric tensioned. Closing it is just as simple; you are then ready to set off again in total safety.

2 - Two internal safety locks to prevent closure during gusts of wind are fitted as standard (when locks are inserted, the tent does not close).

3 - Available with: 2 roomy storage pockets, one per side.

4 - Arched door fitted on each side complete with roll up, roll down mosquito nets. Fitted with circular zips, they can easily be changed into windows.

5 - Large model is usually equipped of a standard opening on the back with dimming device (cm 90 x 90); the opening is protected by a mosquito net, allowing the access to back side and more ventilation at the same time.

6 - 7 - The aluminium ladder is extremely compact, foldable for travel or pull-out during the night.

10 - Elastic tensioning straps inside the tent help to fold the fabric into place when closing theshell, particularly useful on high vehicles.

11 - 12 - The small and medium version is configured for roof bars using ‘Kit Fix’ Art. K/F (not supplied) suitable for transporting sporting or camping equipment. The model Columbus Variant Small and Medium X-Long is not equipped for the application of Kit Fix.

MATERIALS

FABRICS

Columbus roof top tents use Airtex®, a top of the range fabric produced in Germany.
It is highly waterproof with a water vapour transmission grade of 440 g/m2 724 hrs.

ARTISAN QUALITY IN MASSPRODUCTION

As for most of the versions made by Autohome, the shells are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is a particular fabric fiber interweaved and soaked in resinous liquid substances or polyester.
This material is also known as GRP, glass reinforced plastic (GFK in German). The above mentioned really expensive liquid resins, once adequately mixed with catalyzing or accelerating additives, are manually spread with hairy roller brushes on a glassy fabric previously lay on open stamps.
In this way, while solidifying, the liquid resin incorporates the glassy fibers and creates the fiberglass.
It is a laborious process by hand but it is surely worthy the quality of the result. Fiberglass is very widespread within the building industry and used especially for roofs and other industrial and urban coverings.
It does not get warm under the sun and keeps any closed environment insulated from heat and cold, an indispensable feature for any roof tent.
Thanks to fiberglass, Autohome’s shells guarantee excellent quality not only in regard to their endurance and sound proof insulation, but also in terms of lightness and easiness to repair (avoiding this way the high costs of substitution of entire shells, usual in the case of Asian manufacturing that commonly uses simple plastic).

The quality of fiberglass is so great that this material is also used in the manufacturing of boats and cars, especially for bodyworks and hulls that need rigidity and stability throughout time… the best campers, for example, are the ones with single body made with fiberglass and therefore easily repairable (bodies made with ABS are indeed not very diffused anymore because of their difficult reparation processes).
Thanks to its excellent qualities of lightness, robustness and resistance to decompression, fiberglass is also used for windmill blades and within the aeronautical and aerospace industry. Autohome’s shells are designed and manufactured with the best existent material today. No presumption of travelling to the moon (for the time being…).

TECHNICAL DETAILS

ANTI-CONDENSATION VENTILATED ROOF

Loft and attic ceilings inspired our staff to give Columbus a false ceiling comprising an air cushion for extra insulation, sound and heatproofing, creating a safe, healthy and silent environment even in the rain. This feature is provided for all Autohome shell tents. There are three categories in the range: Columbus, Columbus Variant and Columbus Carbon Fiber.

ROOF INSULATION

Roof insulation with air gap is an exclusive Autohome feature. The air cushion obtained by the internal alveolar panel and the anti-condensation foam allow a better thermal and acoustic insulation and a healthier and more silent place to rest in case of rain.

COLUMBUS VARIANT TECHNICAL DESIGNS

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

A.

V= with the tent closed, this indicates the capacity (volume) of the upper shell, in litres. The upper shell contains 2,3 or 4 pillows, according to the model, and other night-time accessories or personal effects. For example, a rucksack, blankets, a beauty-case, or the ladder, the changing room, winter hood or other travel accessories can be fitted inside the tent, so they don’t take up room in the boot or inside the vehicle.

B.

When choosing a roof tent, the shell height is important because it shows how much room there is inside and how easy it is to move about, hence the comfort. Even just a few centimetres more or less make a big difference: everything has been calculated to ensure that a person of average height (170-190 cm) can sit comfortably without the head coming close to the ceiling. The overall length of 210 cm provides optimum comfort and room for rucksacks or large blankets. If you are tall, the X-LONG model is the best choice.

C.

The width (SMALL /MEDIUM /LARGE) is according to the number of occupants

D.

The door is as wide as possible, 75 cm. The doors become large windows. The size of the windows can be adjusted for optimum visibility. Even when the traditional version has the windows open (in a rough half circle) privacy is not compromised.

DESIGN MADE IN ITALY

Design Made in Italy means quality, originality and style. A production process based on master craftsmanship and industry, characterized by high-quality materials, aesthetic taste, a care for detail, sensitivity to beauty and durability, making Autohome a leading and excellent participant in international competition. The reasons for the worldwide success are based on a strong local artistic and cultural tradition. Just as a tree is nourished by the soil in which it is rooted, so Autohome draws from the skills and creativity of the territory, its art and culture.

A GREAT CHOICE OF ACCESSORIES

A vast range of accessories are offered for your maximum comfort and additional needs. They are extremely easy and quick to assemble and self-contained. Each of the Columbus models can be supplied with any of the following accessories:• Verandah, being self-contained, it allows you to move your car whenever desired.• Winter hood additional protection against humidity, cold and wind.• Awning, a useful accessory for short breaks.• Feet to place Columbus on the floor if desired. Other accessories: roof rack for any kind of vehicle; space saving kit designed to store your AUTOHOME on your garage ceiling, bike rack etc.

INDIPENDENT VERANDAH (FOR CARS)

Art. C/03A

Self-contained Verandah (200 x 210 x 245 cm high approx). Fitted with openings on all sides, it is very versatile and useful. Plenty of space for storage, cooking, eating and additional sleeping area.

FEET

Art. C/06A

Columbus can also be placed on the floor, transferring it into a conventional tent. Approximately 25 cm high the feet allow you to keep a safe distance from humidity, water and insects. Foldable and clutter free, they can remain attached at the base while in transit. Foldable and adjustable, these supports can be fitted easily where required. Useful in campsites or residential areas which do not allow vehicles entry at night.

WINTER HOOD

Art. C/04A

The Winter hood is extremely easy to use thanks to the Velcro fastening. One half is attached under the Columbus roof, the other half on the Winter hood. The Winter hood can be attached and remain in situ, whilst travelling.

UNIVERSAL SYSTEM

The exclusive Autohome security system allows all tents to be used on any vehicle: small cars, off-road vehicles, station-wagons, MPV’s (or people carriers), camper vans, and pick-up trucks... A universal, quick attachment system, allows you to position the tent safely in any position, with no risk of damage or modifications to the body of the vehicle. Various fixing kits are available to suit.

CLAMPS SIZE AVAILABLE

AUTOHOME DRIVE CALM AND SLEEP PEACEFULLY

Safety is priceless for us at Autohome and for this reason our research and development centre has always worked on two fronts: first to guarantee "no problem journeys" and second to ensure "peaceful nights".

NO PROBLEM JOURNEYS

The roof tent is a load subject to dynamic stress when driving on the road and like any other load outside the vehicle must be firmly anchored and give a guarantee of safety, in order not to become a hazard. Autohome roof tents are made of the best materials to be solid and robust, able to withstand the stresses of the asphalt and the aerodynamic drag of the wind. They passed the stringent certification tests of the product and materials to travel years and years without problems.

AUTOHOME QUALITY TENTS CERTIFIED ALSO BY TÜV

PEACEFUL NIGHTS

The same attention we paid to dynamic security was also given to the quality of sleep. First choice materials, accurate finishes, attention to details mean that in the Autohome tent you sleep in a real bed, insulated from the heat and cold and soundproofed from rain noise.

WARNING

There are roof tents on the market that do not have any real product certification. Beware of certifications such as ISO 9001 that some sellers advertise, because they concern the company organization and are not at all a guarantee of quality and security of the tent you are going to buy. On the contrary, Autohome roof tents have passed stringent quality tests of the materials used, carried out in the laboratories of qualified Bodies, including the German TÜV.